New Delhi:
After the increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Health Department has issued an alert across the country. This respiratory virus can prove especially dangerous for children, the elderly and individuals with co-morbidities. Experts have appealed to the public to be cautious and advised to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
The health department has asked people to avoid going to crowded places, maintain good hygiene and maintain distance from infected persons. Apart from this, proper nutrition, water intake and seeking medical advice in case of symptoms have also been advised to protect against the virus.
7 cases of HMPV virus in India
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, which was wreaking havoc in China, has now reached India. After Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, this virus has now been confirmed in Maharashtra also. Two children have been found infected with HMPV virus in Nagpur, taking the total number of cases in the country so far to 7 on Tuesday.
State governments issued alert
The Odisha government on Tuesday directed all medical facilities and laboratories in the state to be prepared to deal with any emergency as cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection were reported in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Suspected patient in Maharashtra also
District Magistrate of Nagpur, Maharashtra, Dr. Vipin Itankar informed that two children had come to the OPD for treatment. During testing of samples of these children, suspicion of HMPV infection has been found. To confirm this suspected infection, samples of these children have been sent to the labs of Pune and AIIMS.
Instructions to make arrangements on the lines of Corona
Arrangements will be made on the lines of Corona to defeat the HMPV virus spread in China in Bihar. The health department has started preparations for this. Following the guidelines of the Central Government, the Health Department has instructed the District Magistrates of all the districts, Principals and Superintendents of Medical College Hospitals, Civil Surgeons to make arrangements on the lines of Corona to prevent this virus.
Center told states to keep an eye on respiratory diseases
Amid the rise in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, the Center on Tuesday asked states to review surveillance of the respiratory disease in the country. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, chairing the meeting with states/UTs in virtual mode, said, “States should strengthen influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance and review Needed.”
This is a common infection virus: Expert
Regarding HMPV, Dr. PVM Lakshmi of Chandigarh PGI said that there is a lot of fear among the people regarding human metapneumovirus. But I would say that there is no need to be afraid of this virus, because it is a common infection virus.
Symptoms of HMPV
Symptoms of hMPV may vary depending on the person’s age, general health, and immune response. Mild cases usually have common cold symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever. Moderate symptoms may include a persistent cough and fatigue, while severe cases may cause respiratory complications.
Measures to prevent HMPV virus
- wash hands frequently with soap
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of the disease
- cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
- Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneeze
- Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
- Ensure proper ventilation at venues to reduce infection
- If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others
- Avoid shaking hands when sick, and use tissue paper or handkerchiefs
